The hottest Personal Growth Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Regret Maximization Sickness

Investing 101 • 55 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
💰 Finance Investing Decision-making Personal Growth Regret Hope
  1. Regret can hold us back and often leads to worse decisions. Instead of focusing on what we've done wrong, it's better to learn from mistakes and move forward.
  2. There is a lot of pressure to maximize our regrets, but we can choose to focus on hope and redemption instead. We have the option to embrace grace for ourselves and others.
  3. Investing should be about hope for the future. Dwelling on past regrets stops us from looking forward and finding new opportunities.

The Deferred Life Plan

Residual Thoughts • 198 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Personal Growth Philosophy Social Commentary Self-reflection
  1. Life can feel chaotic and uncertain, which can be scary but also motivating. It's important to use this urgency to pursue what you truly want to do.
  2. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment or inspiration, start working on your passions now. Don't let life's unpredictability hold you back.
  3. Avoid getting distracted by temporary pleasures; focus on meaningful work and long-term goals instead. This will bring more fulfillment in the long run.

Yes. I Took a Vacation

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 207 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Travel Lifestyle Leisure Personal Growth Experiences
  1. Taking a vacation can be refreshing and necessary for mental well-being. It's important to step away from work sometimes and recharge.
  2. Returning from a vacation often brings a renewed sense of purpose and energy. Getting back to work can feel good after some time off.
  3. Sharing experiences from time away can be valuable for both the person returning and their audience. It offers insights and a chance to connect over shared interests.

Women Running Barefoot

The Reclamation Era • 239 implied HN points • 09 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Women's issues Personal Growth Storytelling Emotional Wellbeing Community support
  1. Even when life feels overwhelming, we can find strength to keep going. It's okay to have ups and downs; that’s part of life.
  2. Having a support system is vital, especially during tough times. The connection with others can help us heal and feel less alone.
  3. Sometimes, breaking down is necessary for growth. It's important to feel our emotions and understand that they can lead to positive change.

Level Up: Week 3

Running Probably • 59 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Mental health Nutrition Personal Growth Lifestyle
  1. It's important to have easy runs in your training. Not every run should be tough; some should feel light and fun.
  2. Building a running routine means making your run a priority. Set aside time and prepare so that running becomes a natural part of your day.
  3. Managing your effort can help improve your running. Use the talk test to find a comfortable pace where you can chat easily while running.
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Dare to dream

Soaring Twenties • 115 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Art Community Creative Process Personal Growth
  1. Dreaming big is important. Imagining what you could do with the right support can spark new ideas and goals.
  2. Having a structured schedule can help balance creative work and business tasks. This way, you can focus on your art without feeling overwhelmed.
  3. It's vital to build a community around your work. Sharing your journey can connect you with like-minded people and open up opportunities.

What Surfing Has Taught Me

Remarkable People • 479 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Sports Personal Growth Family Nature Life lessons
  1. It's never too late to start something new, like surfing. Trying new things can teach you valuable lessons about perseverance.
  2. The ocean doesn't care about who you are, so always respect it. This is a great reminder to stay aware of the bigger forces in life.
  3. To improve at a skill, like surfing, you need the right equipment. Using the right tools can make a big difference in how well you learn and succeed.

Every kid deserves an Aunt Bobbie

The Watch • 1178 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity Relationships Aging Personal Growth Family
  1. Every kid needs someone outside their family who believes in them. This support can help them feel valued and understood.
  2. Having a close relationship with a quirky and caring mentor can enrich a child's life. These special people can inspire us and create lasting memories.
  3. Even if you don't have kids, you can still make a positive impact on younger generations. Being a supportive figure can make a difference in their lives, just like Aunt Bobbie did.

Just Friends?

Seven Senses • 279 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Gender Relationships Personal Growth Social norms
  1. Sexual attraction can complicate friendships between men and women. It's common for friends to wonder if there's potential for more than just friendship, especially when they're single.
  2. Crossing the friendship boundary to a romantic relationship can change things, but it doesn't mean the friendship is ruined. Many people find that their friendships can actually become even more meaningful after a romantic connection.
  3. Cultural and gender expectations often affect male friendships too. Guys might feel pressure to appear strong and independent, which can make it hard for them to express vulnerability and create deeper friendships.

My mind transformed completely, and there were some tradeoffs

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 5472 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meditation Awakening Consciousness Mindfulness Personal Growth
  1. Meditation can change your way of seeing the world. It makes past and future thoughts feel lighter, almost like they are just wispy thoughts instead of heavy burdens.
  2. Practicing meditation often feels like having a hobby that others don’t understand or appreciate. You may see benefits in your life, but sharing that with others can be tricky because many might not be ready to commit to it.
  3. Even after lots of meditation, you might still experience normal emotional struggles. You can feel calm and connected one moment and then get upset over something small, which can be confusing and humbling.

Walk like a man, stand like a tree.

Neckar’s Notes • 120 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🎭️ Culture Nature Spirituality Philosophy Relationships Personal Growth
  1. It's important to connect with nature, especially trees. Spending time with them can bring peace and insight into life.
  2. Trees symbolize strength and trust. They teach us to be grounded and embrace life's changes with grace.
  3. Walking through life involves movement and exploration, but we can learn a lot by simply being still and listening to the world around us.

100 things that made my year

Austin Kleon • 9152 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Life events Creativity Family Personal Growth Community
  1. Celebrating small joys can boost happiness, like watching nature unfold around you or enjoying simple meals with family.
  2. Connections with friends and family, whether through conversations or shared activities, are vital for a fulfilling life.
  3. Taking time for self-reflection and personal growth helps you appreciate the present and improves overall well-being.

Beginning Again

Anima Mundi • 41 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mindfulness Personal Growth Spirituality
  1. Beginning again is not about starting from scratch, but from a place of knowledge and experience. It allows us to approach life with more clarity and strength.
  2. It's important to embrace the quiet moments when life offers us a chance to restart. This can be seen as an opportunity to connect deeply rather than rush or perform.
  3. Rather than viewing beginning again as failure, see it as a chance to nurture and grow. It's about creating systems that heal and listening to our inner desires without pressure.

My Next Decision Making Class is Launching on November 18th!

Thinking in Bets • 99 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🚌 Education Online Learning Decision-making Career development Personal Growth Workshops
  1. A new decision-making class starts on November 18th, running for a month with interactive sessions.
  2. Students will learn a 6-step process for better decision making and how to overcome cognitive biases.
  3. The course includes nine live sessions, projects, and access to a community of peers for networking.

The Hidden Psychology of Career Choices | LSW#61

The Leading Sapiens Weekly • 100 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Career Choices Decision-making Personal Growth
  1. Choosing a career is tough because we often fear making the wrong choice. It's important to remember that feeling lost is normal and part of the journey.
  2. It's better to try different jobs and experiences instead of only chasing promotions. You discover more about what you like by experimenting and learning from your experiences.
  3. Regret is a normal part of making choices. It's more about owning your decisions and accepting that every path has ups and downs, rather than looking for a perfect option.

How to Make Big Life Decisions

David Spinks' Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth Mental health Decision-making Emotional Wellbeing Career Coaching
  1. Emotions are important when making big decisions, so it's good to let them flow and be expressed. This helps clear your mind and find calmness.
  2. Listening to the different parts of yourself can help you understand your fears and concerns. Acknowledging them can lead to a deeper insight into what you really want.
  3. Checking in with your heart and body when making a decision is crucial. If it feels right and brings calm, you’re likely on the right path.

Happy 2025 High Growth Engineer 🎉

High Growth Engineer • 493 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Tools Software Engineering Personal Growth Productivity Mental health
  1. Prioritize your mental health and learn to say 'no' when needed. This helps prevent burnout and keeps you focused on what really matters.
  2. Adapt your systems to align with your goals. If your priorities change, make adjustments to ensure your daily actions support your personal growth.
  3. Embrace change and keep learning. The tech industry evolves quickly, so being open to new skills will help you stay relevant.

Letting Go as an Act of Love

Anima Mundi • 103 implied HN points • 28 May 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Self-love Mindfulness Personal Growth Emotional Healing Life Transitions
  1. Letting go can be a loving act, not a sign of failure. It shows we trust life and allow space for change.
  2. Releasing something doesn't mean erasing it from our lives. It's about honoring what was and making room for new beginnings.
  3. Letting go can be painful, but it often leads to growth and a better understanding of ourselves and our needs.

Your highlights of 2023, and overcoming helplessness in 2024

Granted • 7427 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Empathy Compassion Self-Improvement Personal Growth
  1. Compassion involves acknowledging distress even if you can't solve it, helping people feel seen.
  2. Top 10 links of 2023 included topics like the effective use of language, email etiquette, and cultural communication differences.
  3. Podcasts on bringing out positivity in kids, unlocking hidden potential, recharging on weekends, and building leadership skills.

The Greatest Love...

Seven Senses • 339 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships Society Personal Growth Cultural Commentary
  1. Friendship is really important and can be more lasting than romantic relationships. Friends give us support and joy throughout our lives.
  2. As we grow older, friendships change but can still be very meaningful. We might not spend as much time with friends, but the connections can get deeper with age.
  3. Friendship breakups can be really painful, and it's natural for friendships to move closer or further apart over time. It's okay for relationships to evolve and still hold love.

Manjula Martin Tells Us

Cheryl Strayed • 6368 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📚 Literature Memoir Natural History Personal Growth Advice
  1. Manjula Martin shares about the importance of taking advice, whether it turns out to be good or bad.
  2. Her book, 'The Last Fire Season,' explores the wildfire crisis in the American West and personal experiences.
  3. Manjula talks about personal transformation and the joy of roller skating, pointing out the value of trying slow and rounding up when it comes to pain.

When your dreams slowly fade away and you feel stuck in life...

Subtle Digressions • 619 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Self-help Life lessons Personal Growth Reflection Dreams
  1. Dreams often fade as time goes by, and people may feel stuck and lost in their lives. It's common to start off with big hopes and face self-doubt along the way.
  2. As years pass, many feel overwhelmed and see others achieving their goals while they struggle. This can lead to feelings of despair and regret about missed opportunities.
  3. One day, a spark of that old dream can reignite hope. It reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue what we truly want and to tell our own story.

I’m Moving To New York

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 5056 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Personal Growth Social Issues Urban life Migration
  1. The author is moving to New York City for new opportunities and experiences. They are excited but also aware of the challenges that come with city life.
  2. They express gratitude for their reader's support, which makes this move possible despite the high costs of living in NYC.
  3. The author sees this move as a fresh start, hoping to grow creatively and connect with others in a bustling environment.

La pieuvre des désirs

L'Atelier Galita • 79 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🚌 Education Career development Personal Growth Psychology Philosophy Self-help
  1. Finding a career that fits you is sometimes hard. It's tough to know what you really love doing, even though other factors seem easier to identify.
  2. Tim Urban's idea of the 'octopus of desires' shows that our different aspirations can clash with each other. You can't easily satisfy all your desires at once.
  3. There are five types of desires: personal, social, moral, practical, and lifestyle. It's important to prioritize these to find better balance and fulfillment in your life.

Want to Be Happier? Use These Five Charts to Improve Your Life.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2796 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Growth Wellbeing Happiness
  1. Happiness comes from many types of wealth, not just money. You should focus on time, social connections, mental well-being, and physical health too.
  2. Reflect on the time you have left with loved ones. Understanding this can help you prioritize your time and who you spend it with.
  3. There's always something more to chase in life, like a bigger boat. Instead of striving for what society tells you to want, figure out what truly matters to you.

When life is a metaphor

SPARC '24 JC Blog • 199 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
🚌 Education Learning Pedagogy Creativity Personal Growth Social Skills
  1. Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to personal growth. Trying new activities and meeting different people helps you learn more about yourself.
  2. Learning can happen in unexpected ways. Sometimes, you realize you've grown just by reflecting on your experiences rather than actively studying something new.
  3. Creating a supportive social group can inspire creativity and curiosity. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals makes it easier to explore new ideas and develop your passions.

The time, life and brain-space-saving power of a uniform

The Shift With Sam Baker • 2615 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Fashion Style Clothing Personal Growth Self-Expression
  1. Having a uniform can save time, mental energy, and stress when getting dressed every day.
  2. A uniform can simplify your wardrobe choices and help you feel comfortable and confident in your clothing.
  3. Adopting a uniform can lead to a sense of liberation from the pressure of constantly changing outfits and allow for a more streamlined and efficient life.

The Patient

Sensible Medicine • 4088 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Growth Identity Self-reflection
  1. Identifying as a patient can sometimes overshadow your whole identity, and it's crucial to remember you are more than just the patient label.
  2. Being seen as a 'Patient' by others can affect how they interact with you, sometimes diminishing your identity beyond your health status.
  3. Despite the challenges of being defined by your health struggles, it's possible to regain aspects of your identity and redefine yourself beyond the patient role.

The Self Reflection Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Personal Growth Mindfulness Psychology Coaching
  1. Reflecting on your past can help you understand how you've changed and what you're proud of. It's a chance to see what you've learned and what you want to leave behind.
  2. Thinking about your present helps you identify your needs and what's important in your life. It prompts you to evaluate your daily habits and relationships.
  3. Looking toward the future encourages you to think about your goals and what success means to you. It's about planning the changes you want to make and how to grow into your best self.

Be It Resolved!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2156 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Creative Writing Relationships Self-reflection Mindfulness
  1. Make time to appreciate the beautiful things around you every day. It can really lift your spirits and change your perspective.
  2. Focus on writing more deeply and ambitiously. Challenge yourself to explore new forms of writing you haven't tried before.
  3. Invest in your friendships by regularly reaching out and making plans. Being a good friend can bring joy to both you and those you care about.

Humanity Must Awaken From The Dream Of Separation

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2239 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Enlightenment Compassion Personal Growth Philosophy
  1. Many people think they are separate from others and the world, which causes a lot of suffering. We feel this even though our true nature isn't separate; it's just a belief we hold.
  2. We create problems as a society because we compete instead of collaborate. This competition leads to issues like poverty and war.
  3. If humanity can realize that we are not separate, we can work together and solve many of our biggest challenges. This realization has the potential to change everything for the better.

What’s Missing?

Remarkable People • 759 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🚌 Education Motivation Life lessons Inspiration Personal Growth
  1. Asking 'What's missing?' helps you see where improvements can be made. It's a great question to avoid mistakes and think critically about any situation.
  2. Learning from experienced and remarkable people can inspire new ideas. Their stories can guide you in your own journey and help you grow.
  3. Commencement speeches often get forgotten, but focusing on one key message can make it memorable. Simplifying your takeaways can create a lasting impact.

Motivation 101 by Guy Kawasaki

Remarkable People • 519 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🚌 Education Motivation Personal Growth Storytelling Life lessons Self-help
  1. What really matters is that you find something that motivates you, no matter what it is. It doesn't have to be a big or noble goal; any drive can lead to success.
  2. Your personal experiences can shape what inspires you. For example, wanting a better car can be just as motivating as wanting to change the world.
  3. Don't stress too much about the nature of your motivations. What's important is that you are motivated to work hard and strive for your goals.

the joy of browsing

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 14 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Lifestyle Media Personal Growth
  1. Browsing bookstores can lead to unexpected discoveries and joy. It's exciting to find interesting books that you weren't specifically looking for.
  2. Book browsing is not just about buying books; it's also a social activity. Sharing this experience with friends can help deepen connections.
  3. Understanding the variety of genres and reader preferences in bookstores highlights the diverse interests people have. Everyone has their unique tastes when it comes to reading.

High Growth Engineer Update/Break

High Growth Engineer • 586 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Tools Personal Growth Mental health Content creation Community Building
  1. The writer is taking a break for at least four weeks to recharge and think about what they want to focus on moving forward. This time off is important for their mental health.
  2. When they return, there won't be a strict weekly writing schedule. They plan to prioritize quality over quantity and write when they feel inspired.
  3. The writer has ideas for new projects, like building AI tools, writing a book, or starting a community for discussions. They want to use the extra time effectively to provide more value.